Critics are calling Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse the pinnacle of this fan-favorite series! The sequel to Metacritic’s *handheld game of 2010: Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, boasts more than double the content, and acclaim from fans and press alike!

She's still got it" -Destructoid

9.0 "...a must-play" -Nintendo World Report

9.0 "one of the most satisfying games I’ve played all year" - Hardcore Gamer

9.0 "an exceptionally well-crafted game that should not be ignored" -Nintendo Life

8.5 "stands above its retro-inspired contemporaries" –IGN

About

Embark on a brand new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. When she loses her magic, Shantae must team up with her nemesis, the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from an evil curse. As a pirate, Shantae gains new weapons to advance her quest, slay monsters, battle epic bosses…and hopefully get her magic back in the bargain! But can she really trust her deadliest enemy?

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

With classic graphics and music, the Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition games stay true to the originals released nearly 20 years ago. These games will be available on Feb. 27. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Virtual Console on Nintendo 3DS

Pokémon Red , Pokémon Blueand Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition – With classic graphics and music, the Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition games stay true to the originals released nearly 20 years ago. You’ll feel like you’re playing them just as they were, but now you can trade and battle Pokémon in 2D using local wireless on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems! Revisit these timeless games, or play them for the first time! These games will be available on Feb. 27.

Mega Man Legacy Collection – Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of 8-bit history. Featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games, the Legacy Collection will remind long-time fans and introduce newcomers to what made Mega Man such a popular and iconic character. Mega Man Legacy Collection features all six original NES games and more fun features. Click here to view a trailer for the game.

Virtual Console on Wii U

Medabots AX: Metabee and Medabots AX: Rokusho – The World Robattle Tournament is hosted every four years, and both Ikki and Metabee are itching for top place. Help them to victory as they take on the toughest Medafighters and their Medabots. Create and customize unique Medabots with Medaparts that are earned from successful battles in these Game Boy Advance fighting games.

New DLC:

Minecraft: Wii U Edition – Free Update and DLC – Players of the Minecraft: Wii U Edition game can now add even more fun with a massive free update and new DLC available for purchase in Nintendo eShop. This update adds some anticipated Minecraft features, including a long list of new potions, blocks, mobs and biomes. From the Redwood forests of Mega-Taiga to the vastness of the Deep Ocean, you´ll get to build, play and explore new biomes that will offer a great canvas for your creations. Players can also purchase the new Biome Settlers Skin pack, which brings 24 new settler characters into the game and even more biome-themed skins they can use to role-play with their friends. Click here for full details.

Fire Emblem Fates – New DLC Maps – Two new maps are available to download in Fire Emblem Fates for $2.49 each: Boo Camp and Beach Brawl.

Fire Emblem Fates – Map Pack 1 – As a reminder, anyone can purchase Map Pack 1 for $17.99 to get access to 11 DLC maps plus bonus content as it is released weekly throughApril 21. Map Pack 1 content is priced at more than $24 when purchased individually.

Nintendo eShop sales:

Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS

Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 1.

Jewel Match 3, Joe’s Diner and more games from Joindots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 10.

Nintendo eShop on Wii U

Keytari: 8-Bit Music Maker is more than 35 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 5.

Land it Rocket is more than 45 percent off (reduced from $2.99 to $1.59) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 3.

Defense Dome and SDK Paint from Hullbreach Studios are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 3.

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS

Kami and Witch & Hero from Circle Entertainment are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 10.

Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! is 25 percent off (reduced from $2.99 to $2.24) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 17.

Bloo Kid 2 is 50 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $1.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 17.

DEATHSMILESFrom the Xbox 360, to the iPhone, hit Gothic Horror Shooter “Deathsmiles” finally arrives on the iPhone and iPod touch! Once more, the Angels descend upon Gilverado!

● NEW GAME MODE + PRACTICE MODES ADDED! In addition to the Arcade Version of “Deathsmiles”, Deathsmiles iPhone includes a Smartphone Mode with a new character and original story! This mode is packed full of content sure to satisfy those who have played Deathsmiles before, and those who are just starting out. Practice Modes are also included for learning the stages!

● REVAMPED CHARACTER DESIGNS

● BRAND NEW MUSIC! Brand new music for your quest through Gilverado! Original Arcade BGM also included!

● POWER UP YOUR CHARACTER WITH EQUIPMENT AND ITEMS! Players can power up their Princess by using equipment and items bought from “Sakura’s Shop”, as well as those dropped by enemies in stages throughout the game.

● COMPATIBLE WITH GAME CENTERRankings are included for each game mode and character! Compete with players all over the world for high scores, and unlock achievements by completing in-game challenges! Go for a full achievement list!

● MULTIPLE CONTROL SETTINGS Several button layouts are available in the Options so that even beginners can handle complicated controls.

A GUINNESS-RECOGNIZED SHOOTER! Beautiful graphics, complete with waves of bullets that fill the screen!

Patches anyone? Yes... this is a bit of an uncommon post, but its for those that want to know. Enjoy!

GEAR UP FOR NEW FINAL FANTASY XIV CONTENTWITH PATCH 3.2

Tutorial Quests and Mentors Pave the Way for Newcomers to Master Online Party Play

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 23, 2016) – Patch 3.2, titled “The Gears of Change,” is the latest update for FINAL FANTASY XIV®, which adds loads of new content in the form of new story quests, dungeons, primal battles, and much more.

The update also introduces options for new players to quickly acquaint themselves with online game play. At the Hall of the Novice, players can embark on specialized tutorial quests that ultimately help them to understand the techniques of playing in online groups. The hall also houses several NPCs that are designed to introduce new online gamers to MMO terms. The new mentor system also provides a more tailored approach to assist newcomers by pairing them with experienced players in dungeons and trials to foster a learning environment.

More exciting content to be implemented in Patch 3.2 includes:

· Main Scenario Quests: The climax of the Dragonsong War draws closer, and adventurers find themselves in the midst of a storm of change.· Two high-level dungeons: Level 60 players can challenge the Antitower, a place of mystery abandoned by the Sharlayans now overrun by magical guardians, and the Lost City of Amdapor (Hard), where evil continues to lurk following the defeat of Diabolos.· Containment Bay S1T7: This new primal battle pits adventurers against Sephirot, the Fiend, the first of the Warring Triad who has been awoken from his vengeful dreams.· Alexander: Midas: The Illuminati are once again gearing up for war in an attempt to conquer the realm. Return to the iron fortress with your allies to take part in the brand-new raid.· Further Hildibrand Adventures: New side story quests lead the player to join Nashu at the Holy See of Ishgard on her search for the brave inspector· Beast Tribe Quests: Learn more about the trials and tribulations of the Nonmind, exiles from the Gnath colony, who aim to separate themselves from the Onemind.· Stone, Sky, Sea: A new training ground to test players' might against an assortment of striking dummies tailored to the strength of legendary foes· The Feast: A new PvP arena to be implemented two weeks after patch 3.2, where the goal is to obtain opponent medals. Individual rating and ranks will be assigned to players and the highest-ranked participants will be awarded a special prize· New crafting recipes, hairstyles and more

Further details on Patch 3.2, The Gears of Change, can be found on the promotional website at:http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/pr/special/3_2_The_Gears_Of_Change/

The full Patch 3.2 notes can be found at:http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/c755d756aece79cc9707f5444ad0980ac2b5a39c

FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, the all-in-one bundle, which includes both A Realm Reborn® andHeavensward™, is available on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Windows PC, and Mac. The FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward expansion pack is available as a standalone purchase on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, and Windows PC for $39.99. A free 30-day trial is included for new FINAL FANTASY XIV accounts, with monthly subscriptions starting at $12.99.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

How could Vanillaware improve on the combat of the original Odin Sphere? Step 1: take all the lessons they learned from Dragon's Crown and apply them to this game. Step 2: Diversify the way each character can be played by including a ridiculously deep system of skill trees unique to each of the game's five main characters. Seriously, Vanillaware added almost 200 skills and abilities in Odin Sphere Leifthrasir! You'll have the freedom to unlock powerful active skills, passive skills, and abilities to unleash the true potential of the main characters. The leveling system also has been streamlined so characters and Psyphers now level together. But of course, nothing is free in Erion: defeating enemies and exploring different areas is the only way to obtain Phozons and Phozon Prisms that are spent on unlocking/upgrading skills. That's right - the source of your power only comes from the death of enemies. You would do well to remember that.

Besides the addition of the skill trees, Vanillaware also tweaked many different gameplay elements in order to give Odin Sphere Leifthrasir a modern touch. Improvements include the ability to assign skills to button commands, full 1080p/60 fps support (say goodbye to frame rate drops!), a more fluid combo system, and more. Basically, gameplay is now smoother than the Rabbit Cafe's Yogurt Cheesecake!

Of course, for the purists out there, the included Classic Mode features the original Odin Sphere's systems (but keeps the upgraded HD graphics/performance improvements).

Without further ado, check out the new screenshots and video below!

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is the all-encompassing HD remake of the original PlayStation 2 'Greatest Hits' title, Odin Sphere. Developed by the legendary Vanillaware and published by ATLUS, the game is steeped in Norse mythology with intricate plots that wouldn't be out of place in a Wagner opera. Five character plots intertwine as the world of Erion hurtles towards the end of days as warring kingdoms clash for control.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir will be available for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita. For a limited time and only at participating retailers, a 64-page softcover art book will come with standard purchases. There's also the Odin Sphere Leifthrasir "Storybook Edition" premium version (limited to the PS4 version of the game) that includes a hardcover version of the art book, a special Potion Recipe t-shirt, a metal slipcase for the game, an art print, and premium outer packaging.

European Version

Great News! Our friends at NIS America will be releasing all three platforms of Odin Sphere Leifthrasir in Europe this summer!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Take a look at this limited edition... because things like this get a thumbs up from me. I like it when companies go that extra mile to deliver more of an experience for gamers to enjoy. From books, to figurines, to statues of the characters, etc. This is something that physical games have the ability to take advantage of vs... downloads. Nothing wrong with downloads, and we get plenty of them, but... there is still this awesome feeling about getting your hands on a physical copy of something and being able to enjoy extras. If you haven't gotten your hands on a bundle before... do so one of these days, because it's awesome, especially if its a game series you really enjoy (if that game happens to be the 7th Dragon III Code, then you're in luck... because its coming soon). Game on!

We've talked about the dangers of dragons last time, so it's time to talk about something new - the 7th Dragon III Code: VFD bonus item that will come with pre-orders and a limited number of launch edition copies of the game! So to commemorate the series making its way to the Americas for the first time, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD will include a 28-page art book! Get a closer look at the design work that went in to creating the game's esoteric character classes, ferocious dragons, vile monsters, and the environments that span three time periods. Moreover, the game and art book will be packaged in a colorful outer box!

In 7th Dragon III Code: VFD, humankind is on the brink of extinction until the game company NODENS devises a way to travel back in time. Players will have to explore three time periods with a deeply customizable party (8 classes, 40 voices, and 96 appearance options!), to fight dragons and save the human race. Oh, but in between battles, there are also relationships to build, party synergies to manage, and rescuing cats to include in the game's Cat Café. (really.)

7th Dragon III: Code VFD will arrive this summer in retail stores and on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS in the Americas. The game will be available for $39.99/CA$54.99 and had been rated T by the ESRB.

If you missed our last trailer, check out what you'll be getting yourself into when 7th Dragon III Code: VFD launches!

Io-Interactive today releases a new trailer, the ‘Legacy Opening Cinematic’ bridges the twenty year gap in the new HITMAN game between the end of the Prologue and the Sanguine Fashion Show in Paris.

The trailer takes viewers all the way back to the thermal baths of the Hotel Gallard in Budapest as seen in the original Codename: 47 and to the Chilean Delgado vineyard from Blood Money, as it charts a journey through some iconic Hitman moments.

Plus, after a successful beta on PS4, Io-Interactive now invites all PlayStation Plus members to try out the HITMAN beta on March 4.

“Our initial beta was an extremely helpful moment for our new HITMAN game, as it gave us great insight into how the server game mechanics function under pressure. A lot of those pressure points are currently being strengthened for release,” said Hannes Seifert, Studio Head at Io-Interactive. “Now Sony have given us the opportunity to go even bigger to validate some of the initial things we saw. Therefore we are inviting everyone who is a PlayStation Plus member to try the same beta and you don’t have to pre-order the game. This will allow us to really stress test our server setup, which is a crucial element for us to get just right.”

Labeled “The Prologue”, the Beta takes place twenty years before the Paris Showstopper mission. Set in a secret ICA training facility, the Prologue features a pivotal moment in Agent 47’s life - his introduction to the ICA and very first meeting with his future handler Diana Burnwood. The Prologue features two free-form training hits, which will introduce players to the features and mechanics of the upcoming HITMAN game. The Prologue will also be available as part of the first episode of HITMAN.

HITMAN will launch on March 11th for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

For those who have yet to play... HITMAN GO, you may want to check out the definitive edition!

[PRESS RELEASE]

Hitman GO: Definitive Edition Now Available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and Steam

MONTREAL (February 23, 2016) - Square Enix Montréal announced today that the revisited iteration of the studio’s critically acclaimed turn-based puzzle/strategy game, Hitman GO: Definitive Edition is now available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®Vita system and Steam. Players can now purchase the title as a cross-buy digital download from the PlayStation Store or from the Steam marketplace. In celebration of the multiplatform release, Hitman GO: Definitive Edition ($7.99 regular price) is launched with a 20% discount for the first week only.

For the occasion, Square Enix Montréal has prepared an exclusive behind the scenes video that explores the creative journey that brought Hitman GO to life. It can be seen here:

The definitive edition has been updated with a new control scheme optimized for the console and PC experiences, along with new platinum trophies, Steam achievements for PC and a cross save feature that allows users to seamlessly transfer save files between systems for PlayStation platforms. The game includes all precedent content updates (Opera, Airport and St. Petersburg boxes) and all in-app purchases have been removed.Hitman GO for mobile was honored for Best Game Design and Best iOS Game in the 2014 Canadian Videogame Awards. The game was also named an Essential app for iOS devices by Apple.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Are you ready for more Square-Enix action for your mobile device? Here it is!

Sorry... no code here!

HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS OFFERS MORE FUN FROMFINAL FANTASY IV

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 18, 2016) – Square Enix, Inc. today announced that the highly-rated, multiplayer tactical RPG game HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS® now offers more characters and quests from its ongoing collaboration with FINAL FANTASY® IV.

Marking the first raid event, the update to HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS features FINAL FANTASY IVcharacters Golbez and Rubicante. Players can join forces to defeat these strong opponents, and have a chance at obtaining Rubicante a reward. This event will run until February 22.

Running concurrently with the raid event, a separate story quest gives players a chance to obtain the power character Yang from FINAL FANTASY IV. This is an original story and will introduce an all-new battle map created especially for the event, which will run until February 24.

Finally, a separate “gacha” event features Rydia and Rosa, from FINAL FANTASY IV, for players to obtain. For a limited time, players will also have the chance to obtain characters Cecil, Golbez, Kain and Edge from the previous FINAL FANTASY IV collaboration events.

About Heavenstrike Rivals In HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, players enter a war-torn world on the brink of extinction and embark on an epic adventure full of simple yet highly immersive tactical battles. The once-prosperous aerial kingdom of Lunnain lies in tatters, assaulted from above by the Fallen - ruthless monsters of nightmare who seek only complete destruction. But the people will not take their fate lying down, and their strike back at the heavens starts now.

Developed as a brand new IP for mobile platforms, SQUARE ENIX® has worked with UK based developers MEDIATONIC Ltd., (Amateur Surgeon) to create the game and bring the world to life. The project has had a collaborative approach, with Japan-based Yumiru Corporation supporting development and, keeping it in the SQUARE ENIX family, the game also features characters designed by Ryoma Ito (FINAL FANTASY TACTICS® ADVANCE) and music by Ryo Yamazaki (FINAL FANTASY XIV).

In HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, players must fight their way to the top of the game’s leader boards for heavenly global domination.

For more game news & reviews... stay tuned to: www.SdgtStudio.blogspot.com

Just Cause 3 gave me the opportunity to tame a missile thousands of feet in the air, get some! :p

JUST CAUSE 3 AIR, LAND & SEA EXPANSION PASS DETAILS REVEALED

AIR PACK ‘SKY FORTRESS’ LAUNCHING MARCH 2016 - TRAILER AVAILABLE NOW

The first JUST CAUSE 3 content pack entitled SKY FORTRESS is launching March 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and high end PC and holders of the AIR, LAND & SEA Expansion Pass will be able to play it a week before is goes on sale as a standalone download . The new SKY FORTRESS Trailer is available now.“If Just Cause 3 is over-the-top action then the Air, Land and Sea Expansion pass aims to stand on its shoulders and reach even higher,” said Tobias Andersson, Senior Producer at Avalanche Studios. “An incredible amount of time has been spent ensuring every new item is fully integrated into the main game and can be used during existing missions. Rico’s new Bavarium Wingsuit will fundamentally alter the core gameplay of Just Cause 3 and we can’t wait to see the crazy stunts that players perform with it.”SKY FORTRESS contains a brand new set of missions that introduce a new threat – a huge and terrifying Sky Fortress and an army of deadly robotic drones. To tackle his deadly new adversary, Rico Rodriguez will use a new upgradeable, rocket-powered, weaponised ‘Bavarium Wingsuit’ fitted with shoulder mounted machine guns and auto targeting missiles - alongside his new ‘Eviction’ personal defence drone and ‘Bavarium Splitter’ assault rifle.The second pack in the Expansion Pass entitled LAND MECH ASSAULT will contain another new series of missions that introduce a unique new vehicle that can be carried over into the main game; a heavily armoured mech armed with a gravity gun that allows objects to be picked up and powerfully thrown in any direction. Although the mech is as strong as a tank, it is highly manoeuvrable and agile and behaves unlike anything else in the game.The AIR, LAND & SEA Expansion Pass concludes with the BAVARIUM SEA HEIST - details of which will be revealed in the following months.

The SKY FORTRESS pack will be priced at $11.99 / €11.99 / £9.49 whilst the AIR, LAND & SEAExpansion Pass is available for $24.99 / €24.99 / £19.99. All three content packs will be available before the end of summer 2016 and released one week early to Expansion Pass holders.